Beats with Benefits is a free song writing and music production workshop for First Nations youth. These workshops are supported by Sacred Era, an Indigenous Streetwear label I founded in 2013 to fund the workshops.
In the past, these workshops have mostly focussed on writing and recording hip hop tracks, and building the confidence of youth to perform live.
Of course, not everyone wants to be the person out on stage, and over the years there has been a strong push to include beat making / music production. Every time I pull out my MPC 2000XL and demonstrate how I make my beats, a crowd forms, hands go up, and the young crew can't wait to have a turn.
I would absolutely love to offer beat making through these workshops but I need your help to raise the funds to purchase equipment.
MORE THEN DOPE BEATS
Music is good for your soul!! While I teach the different aspects of songwriting, the magic of music provides an opportunity for the young mob to grow in self confidence, have a voice and express their thoughts and feelings. Music gives you an audience you wouldn't normally have access to and be able to share your story, what you're going through, as well as your point of view on important topics is so empowering. And its a lot of FUN!
in a culturally save and supportive environment, I work with absolute begginers to those a little more serious and looking to have a career in the music industry. Surrounded by mob in a strong and positive environment unlocks something within. Cultural pride, identity and leadership are all common topics as I like to use this time to plant seeds in their minds and encourage our young people to believe in themselves, develop self love, self respect and lead positive lives.
SACRED ERA
Sacred Era is a social enterprise spreading the word on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture and history through streetwear. Each design tells the stories of our people, with every purchase you will receive the story behind the design and with the expectation that you will help us educate and create awareness by sharing these stories with those who comment or show interest.
Conceptualised in 2013, the brand was born out of necessity offering an alternative funding route to government grants. Since then I completed two entrepreneur accelerator programs which gave me the confidence to take the label further. After raising $40,000 through Start Some Good in 2019 I jumped straight back into workshops with the Goonellabah community but that all came to a halt with COVID 19.
ABOUT Michael Weir
I'm a proud Wiradjuri man and father of 5 beautiful kids. I'm passionate about working with our youth and have been doing so for over 20 years.
Through Sacred Era and the delivery of Beats with Benefits I get to spend my time doing the things I love the most. Supporting our youth, creating music, and sharing knowledge about our culture and history.
I was lucky to have people in my life that showed an interest in me, supported my journey, mentoring me through my younger years. I have had some amazing opportunities but my life could have taken a very different path if it wasn't for these people.
A lot of my closest friends have become victims of the system. Suffering from unresolved trauma, in and out of prison, substance abuse etc. I want to do to help our young people lead strong and healthy lives and thats exactly what Beats with Benefits is all about.
I am currently in my 6th and final trimester of my Songwriting and Music Production degree with SAE in Byron Bay and can't wait to share my knowledge!
REWARDS
Black ANZACS
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have sacrificed their lives in every conflict Australia has been involved in since the Boar War commenced 1899. A remarkable fact considering our people were recognised as flora and fauna until 1967 when we finally became citizens of the nation.
In the trenches they were equals, fighting side by side with their non-indigenous comrades but on the home soil they they lived in poverty, were controlled by government policies, and received little to zero recognition for the sacrifices they had made.
Black Line
Tasmania’s Black War remains the longest-standing conflict to ever occur on Australian soil. From 1824 – 1831, British settlers were consistently at war with Tasmanian Aboriginals who fiercely resisted the occupation of their land.
Pressured to end the conflict and bring peace to the colony, Governor George Arthur pulled together the largest force ever assembled against any Aboriginal group in Australia. Over 2000 armed troops, settlers, and convicts formed seven human chains stretching across the settled districts and moved south, scouring the land in an attempt to capture and displace Aboriginal people.
Survival
Our Survival tee highlights the resilience of our people and the key events and periods of time that we have lived through. Both woomera and spear have been used by our people in conflict and to hunt food, in this design they represent the survival of our people and culture. This tee celebrates and acknowledges the warriors, both men and women past, present and future who we owe our existence to.
Frontier wars, germ warfare, oppression, sexual abuse, dispossession, protection act , assimilation, the list goes on and on. Today our people still face many challenges. We are still fighting for our rights, fighting to keep our culture alive.
Black Deaths in Custody
Remembering the loved ones lost in custody, and honouring those who have fought and continue to fight for justice.
We must continue to share their story's, we need change, we need our justice system to hold all accountable for their actions.
Sacred Era Bundle
Collect all 4 of Sacred Era's designs and save $30!!
DESIGN PRINTS
Receive an A3 print of any one of Sacred Era's designs and hang them in your home.
